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Posts for tag: heel fissures

If this…then that. We've all played logic riddles with this format. For old times' sake, let's give it a whirl! If there are balloons, then... it's a party! How about this one? If a bunch of cats jump on top of each other, is it then called a dog pile?As your foot specialist, we can say this; if you have diabetes, then you are at risk for developing a foot ulcer.

For that reason, you should have us check your feet checked regularly. Diabetic ulcers are open sores or wounds—most commonly found on the bottom of the foot—that affect as many as 15 percent of patients with diabetes. Some cases can even lead to hospitalization or amputation. In most cases, however, they are preventable.

These wounds can develop from a combination of factors, such as lack of feeling in the foot, heel fissures, poor circulation, foot deformities that cause excessive friction or pressure, and trauma. If your nerves have been damaged due to diabetes, you are particularly at risk, due to the loss of ability to feel pain.

Common symptoms you may begin to notice are drainage on your socks, redness and swelling of the foot, or a foul odor. You can prevent this by checking your feet every day and visiting the Foot Doctor of the East Bay, where we can ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. There are several appropriate treatment plans including: prevention of infection, taking the pressure off the limb, debridement or removing dead skin and tissue, application of medicine or dressing the wound, and management of your blood glucose levels.

Don't wait until it's too late. If you run a tight ship, then you are less likely to develop an open foot sore. Protect your feet by keeping your blood glucose levels in check, keeping your feet clean, and not walking barefoot. Other things to avoid are smoking, drinking alcohol, high cholesterol, and inappropriate shoes.

For diabetics, a small cut or scrape can quickly develop into a dangerous situation. At the first sign of redness and swelling on your foot, give one of our offices a call. Foot Doctor of the East Bay can be reached in San Leandro at (510) 483-3390, Los Gatos at (408) 356-6767, and Pleasanton at (925) 425-9684. You can also set up an appointment online.

Leaning against an oak tree, you watch a largemouth bass leap into the air and grab an insect hovering over the water. It’s the perfect day for some fishing, a swim, or a brisk walk around Lake Chabot at Anthony Chabot Regional Park in San Leandro. In fact, walking and diabetes are a great pair.

First of all, walking is free, requires no instruction manual, and can be done anywhere. It’s so easy to open your front door, walk outside, and get some fresh air. You never know what you’ll see. In the Anthony Chabot Park, there have even been sightings of bald eagle nesting pairs!

The simple exercise of walking has also been known to lower blood sugar levels, which may help you manage and stabilize them better. After all, it is spikes in blood sugar that cause dangerous nerve damage in the feet. Symptoms like numbness and tingling—signs of neuropathy—may keep you from noticing pain from a puncture wound, sliver, blister, or more serious problems.

Walking is a low-impact activity too, which means the risk of injuries like broken ankles, heel fissures, and calluses, is lower. Poor circulation in the feet can slow down healing and lead to serious health complications like open wounds, foot ulcers, and Charcot foot. A small hike each day can help get that blood flowing, and help you lose weight that’s putting too much pressure on your lower limbs as well.

Before you head out, though, make sure you wear a comfortable pair of socks and shoes that won’t pinch, rub, or squeeze your feet during the walk. A small snack is a good idea too, to help keep your glucose levels in check.

Walking and diabetes are a good match for each other. If you’re just starting out, consult Dr. Michael Stein and Zeindelin Ahmad, DPM, at Foot Doctor of the East Bay for a foot exam before your exercise regimen begins. Call our San Leandro, CA office at (510) 483-3390, our Pleasanton, CA location at (925) 425-9684, or our Los Gatos, CA office at (408) 356-6767.

The skin on your heels can become so dry that it cracks, causing deep fissures that are painful and invite infection. So how can keep this from happening? Well, ironically, some of the best things to do, are to avoid things you shouldn’t do! Certain activities can worsen your condition and the progression of fissures. Stop the madness! Follow these tips to avoid heel fissures:

At the end of a long day, a hot bath or shower may seem like the best way to relax. But prolonged exposure to heat and water break down your skin’s ability to ward off fissures. The protective barrier of skin becomes worn and weak. Next time you bathe, try elevating your feet on the edge of the tub above the water. Or, shorten your shower by a few minutes.

Swimming pools can also go from friend to foe if you suffer from heel fissures, especially public swimming pools. This is because your feet are exposed to a party of germs and bacteria. If you visit these areas, avoid going barefoot. Otherwise, you risk worsening your condition.

Fungal infections aren’t the only cause for fear in swimming pools and public showers. The chlorine used to clean these areas irritates and dries your skin. Dry skin is heel fissures’ best friend! If you can, try to swim in a pool that is cleaned with chlorine alternatives.

Lastly, your condition may be worsened by other medical issues. If you suffer from diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or eczema work with the appropriate healthcare professional to control your symptoms.